Is there a quick way to Gridania?

[AskaRay]

From Ul'dah, go to Eastern Thanalan, through Central Thanalan I believe.
Keep heading northeast, across Highbridge.
You'll then be in South Shroud but enemies are about twice your level, so watch out. You can make it if you stay on your toes.
Head north/northwest, and you will be in Central Shroud then. Keep heading north/northeast and you will find the gate to Gridania.

I know... I walked the opposite way when I started out, haha. (From Gridania to Ul'dah)

[Rufalus]

I know... I walked the opposite way when I started out, haha. (From Gridania to Ul'dah)

I remember that being the first thing I did when I started... exploration, mapping the realm before the story really called for me to head out anywhere. My favorite thing is exploring new places for the first time. It's a special feeling you really only get the first week of a new game or expansion. I look forward to exploring Heavensward before I even get into the meat of the quests just for the fun of exploring.